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A new coat of paint refreshes your siding's look and help boost your home’s resale value. Prep work for painting is tedious, but it's essential before applying an evenly coated surface that doesn’t lead to easy chipping, cracking, or peeling. Here's what you must do before grabbing the brushes and painting your exterior, be it wood, aluminum, fiber cement, or vinyl.

How to Get the Siding Ready for a Paint Job

1. Have It Cleaned

Use a brush or sponge, mild cleaning solution, and water to remove dirt and grime from your siding. When removing mold and mildew, utilize diluted bleach or white vinegar. Rinsing the remnants with a hose is acceptable, but pressure washers are the optimal method–only if you’re able to operate one safely—for dislodging any remaining grime.

2. Scrape Flaking Paint

Remove loosidingse or peeling paint with a hand scraper, keeping the edges flat against the siding to avoid gouging. Smoothen rough spots using a sander fitted with 80-grit sandpaper.  Old paint left underneath will prevent the pores of your siding material from absorbing a new coat.

3. Do Repairs

Examine what you've uncovered after washing and scraping the siding. Fill holes and gouges with putty or spackling compound, allowing for a smoother coat and avoiding damage to your painting tools. Have rotted areas repaired or replaced, and address issues that caused the siding’s decay.

4. Apply Primer

A primed base evens out the wall’s cladding surface, provides a protective layer, and improves the top coat’s adhesion. Allow the primer to dry before starting the paint job.

5. Caulk as Needed

Applying caulk around the joints, seams, and trimmings will keep moisture out and prevent both the interior and exterior from rotting. Caulking also works against air leaks and eliminates shadow lines, giving your siding a uniform, clean look.  


For the best results on your siding’s paint job, look no further than Dan Williams Roofing. For over 25 years, this trusted residential and commercial contractor has provided a range of top-notch services, including attic installation, roof repair, and siding replacement throughout Northern Ohio. Call (440) 282-6006 to request an estimate or view their full list of services online.

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